Timeless Suit

[splatkid10]

Hey all,

I'm in the market for my first real suit (or two). I know I'd like a gray and a navy blue suit. Thing is, I'm in the military and don't wear suits all that often. I'd like to spend my money on something nice, well made, and that will last a long time. I'm not looking for the latest trend, but rather a timeless classic looking suit. I feel like something along the style of what JFK wore (classic American) to something like mid-century England (thinking the King's Speech here). What companies make suits of these styles? Thanks for the help all!

splatkid10

 

[TheFoo]

You'll need to give some budgetary guidelines to get the ball rolling.

 

[splatkid10]

Let's say 800-1200 per suit.

 

[acridsheep]

Can't go wrong with Brooks Brothers, at that price point.

 

[Master-Classter]

I was just going to say BB's too. They're in tune at some level with fashion trends that you won't be way off but classic enough that the suit will probably work well for 5-8 years or so. Reasonably priced, often have good sales, and the qualitie's good enough. Especially if you're American, you'll fit in nicely.

 

[TheFoo]

For $1200, can't he try W.W. Chan? A $1200 suit from Brooks will be inferior in make and material.

Also, most of what Brooks sells these days is no longer classic, but merely a timid attempt to adapt cubiclewear to trends identifed a year ago in GQ magazine. It's like Banana Republic, but with more navy and less black.

 

[rob]

I think WW Chan has moved north of $1200.

rob

 

[TRA8324]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

I was just going to say BB's too. They're in tune at some level with fashion trends that you won't be way off but classic enough that the suit will probably work well for 5-8 years or so. Reasonably priced, often have good sales, and the qualitie's good enough. Especially if you're American, you'll fit in nicely.
+ if you miss any of the sales you can easily sign up for a corporate card and get 15% off whenever you want.

 

[Working Stiff]

Bad news: JFK wore trendy suits. Good news: that type of suit is back in fashion right now. Bad news: fashions change.

 

[sportin_life]

Probably BB Fitzgerald line would fit your description the best. The BB Milano line might be a little slim and go out of fashion in the future.

The darling of SF is RLBL, but that is probably too modern to stay in style long-term.

You should also consider RLPL. RLPL is more conservative and timeless than RLBL, but the price is more than your range for retail (although you can get a new one for $800-1200 on these forums).

I don't own any Isaia but they seem to be favored on these forums also and you can probably get one for the higher end of your range $1200 from SF.

 

[Superfluous]

I think ralph lauren purple label suits are always classic, elegant, and outstanding. I think the lapel width, notches, button stance, fit/cut, ticket pockket, and shoulders are all beautifully elegant and distinct without looking for current trends or trademark features. However, retail prices are very high, and the discounted suits online won't be the classic navy (most likely).

 

[Archivist]

See if there is a men's store in your area that carries Samuelsohn, http://www.samuelsohn.com/ and if they are having a trunk show any time soon.

 

[bringusingoodale]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

Also, most of what Brooks sells these days is no longer classic, but merely a timid attempt to adapt cubiclewear to trends identifed a year ago in GQ magazine. It's like Banana Republic, but with more navy and less black.

Ouch.

What's to be done; where can one turn for American Heritage then?

 

[k4lnamja]

I agree with Brooks Brothers fits what you are asking for but I think a better suit would be a Ralph Lauren Blue Label suit. Honestly, if you know your measurements (go measure from someone at dept. store but don't buy their junk) and buy one off of here or ebay. You can easily find a Ralph lauren Purple label for $5-900 off of ebay.

 

[Superfluous]

Originally Posted by k4lnamja

I agree with Brooks Brothers fits what you are asking for but I think a better suit would be a Ralph Lauren Blue Label suit. Honestly, if you know your measurements (go measure from someone at dept. store but don't buy their junk) and buy one off of here or ebay. You can easily find a Ralph lauren Purple label for $5-900 off of ebay.

When you can easily find a RLPL suit on ebay for $500-$900 other than the suit I have up there

, please show me.